Interview with bandmember Martinus Benders by Zootz:
Interviewer: Today, we’re here with Martinus Benders of Berry Lee Berry, a Gnostafari band hailing from Mierlo in the Netherlands. Martinus, your latest track, “The Worms,” is a heartfelt tribute to Shane MacGowan. Can you share the inspiration behind blending a nursery rhyme with your unique poetic touch?
Martinus Benders: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Shane MacGowan’s work has always resonated with us, particularly his ability to infuse raw emotion and poetic depth into his lyrics. With “The Worms,” we wanted to pay homage to that. We took a simple nursery rhyme, which symbolizes the cycle of life in a playful yet profound way, and added layers to it, inspired by Shane’s style. Our goal was to create something that reflects on life, death, and the eternal nature of music, much like Shane’s work does.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating how you’ve managed to capture such depth with this approach. Speaking of influences, Shane MacGowan dabbled in reggae tracks too. How do you see his exploration into reggae influencing your work or the reggae movement as a whole?
Martinus Benders: Shane’s foray into reggae was a testament to his versatility as an artist and his understanding of music as a universal language. Reggae, at its core, is about resistance, love, and unity. For us, integrating reggae into our music is not just a stylistic choice but a way to connect with these universal themes. Shane’s work, especially his reggae tracks, reminds us that music is a powerful tool for change and connection. It’s a reminder of reggae’s importance in the global music landscape, and we strive to honor that in our own music.
Interviewer: That’s a powerful perspective. This summer, you also attended Sinéad O’Connor’s funeral, another artist known for her reggae interpretations and collaborations. How did her music and her passing influence you or the band?
Martinus Benders: Sinéad was a force of nature. Her fearless voice and the emotional depth of her music have always inspired us. Her interpretations of reggae songs were not just covers; they were profound conversations with the genre. Attending her funeral was a moment of reflection for us on the impact one artist can have on the world. Her courage to speak her truth, her vulnerability in her music, and her embrace of reggae have encouraged us to be authentic in our expression and to remember the power of music to heal and unite.
Interviewer: The reggae movement, with its rich history and message, seems to be a significant influence for Berry Lee Berry. Can you elaborate on the importance of reggae in today’s world?
Martinus Benders: Reggae is more than music; it’s a movement of consciousness, a call to awaken and unite against injustice while spreading love and positivity. In today’s world, where division and strife are prevalent, reggae’s message is as vital as ever. It teaches us resilience, the importance of community, and the power of speaking out against oppression. For Berry Lee Berry, reggae is not just a genre we play; it’s a philosophy we live by. It informs our approach to music and life, urging us to create art that speaks to the soul, challenges the status quo, and brings people together.
Interviewer: It’s clear that Berry Lee Berry is not just making music but is on a mission to inspire and unite. Martinus, thank you for sharing your insights and the story behind “The Worms.” Your dedication to keeping the spirit of reggae alive, while honoring legends like Shane MacGowan and Sinéad O’Connor, is truly commendable.
Martinus Benders: Thank you for the opportunity to share our journey and the stories behind our music. It’s a privilege to contribute to the reggae movement and honor the legacy of artists who have inspired us. We hope our music can be a beacon of light and a source of inspiration for many.
Like this band? Subscribe to our substack or to our Youtube Channel